ARMED police were called to a Middlesbrough store after reports of a man with a gun.

ARMED police were called to a Middlesbrough store after reports of a man with a gun.

People spoke of their shock after police, including firearms officers, were called to the store on Cargo Fleet Lane.

The drama happened at Fleet Stores, opposite the junction with Fulbeck Road.

Cleveland Police said they were called to the store just after 5pm on Sunday to reports of a man who was “said to be armed”.

Beckfields ward councillor Brian Hubbard said he had been told a shotgun had been involved.

A police spokeswoman said: “Public safety is always our prime concern, therefore as is routine whenever any type of weapon is mentioned armed response units as well as response officers attended the scene.

“No one was injured during the incident and inquiries are ongoing by Middlesbrough CID to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify the person responsible.”

Detective Inspector Matt Murphy-King, of Middlesbrough CID, said: “Local people will understandably be very concerned to hear about this incident.

“I can reassure them that we are conducting a full and thorough investigation with the intention of bringing anyone involved to justice as quickly as possible.”

The drama, just months after an armed robbery at a bookies in the area, has shocked local people.

A woman who works in a nearby shop, but doesn’t want to be named, told the Gazette: “I went into Fleet Stores to buy some cigarettes. It had already happened. There were police all over the place. It is a shocking thing to happen.”

A 36-year-old mum-of-two, who lives close by, said: “To hear there has been an armed incident just yards from your home is a big shock.

“People would have been just coming home from work at that time.

“You hear about these things happening elsewhere but never on your own patch.”

It comes just months after a terrifying gunpoint robbery at a bookmakers in the Cargo Fleet area.

The balaclava-clad robber made off with cash in the raid at Coral Bookmakers in Cargo Fleet Lane in August.

Two women were about to close the shop when a man threatened them with what appeared to be a handgun.

Police say the robber forced the “terrified” women to place the contents of the safe into a bag. He then ran out of the shop.

Beckfields ward councillor Brian Hubbard said he had been told by a local shopkeeper that the incident involved a shotgun.

“It is a bit disturbing when you think there was a local bookmakers which was attacked only a number of months ago.

“It is concerning at the moment. It seems the shops in this area are being targeted.

“We are just hoping the police will get to grips with whoever is doing it.”

The police spokeswoman said they were not linking this incident with any previous incidents at this time.

Det Insp Murphy-King said: “I’d urge anyone who was in the area at the time or anyone who has any information to come forward.

“All information will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Middlesbrough CID on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.